Journalist's killing condemned, scribes on indefinite strike
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2008: Inspite of an agreement between representatives of the JAC, formed in connection with the killing of Konsam Rishikanta Singh and the State Government, the print and electronic media under the aegis of All manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) will suspend publication and broadcast of news item for an indefinite period with effect from tomorrow.

Decision to cease publication of newspapers from November 20 onwards was adopted at an emergency general body meeting of AMWJU held this afternoon at Manipur Press Club, Major Khul.

Among many other resolutions, it was decided to stage sit-in-protest till the culprits involved in shooting death Rishikanta are pulled up or identified.

From top left: Journalists mourning demise of Rishikanta; Bijoy Koijam conveying CM's message; and protestors enforcing blockade

The meeting was convened to deliberate over the future course of action in the aftermath of gunning down of 22-year-old K Rishikanta, who was a Junior Sub Editor of the Imphal Free Press daily.

Rishikanta's bullet riddled body was found at near the Langol Hill range second home of the endangered brow-antler deer (Sangai) last evening.

Taking grim note of constant threat looming large over the journalist community of the State who have to dispense duties in an insecure atmosphere due to the prevailing conflict situation besetting manipur, senior journalists who addressed the meeting pointed out that Rishikanta is the sixth scribe to die an unnatural death.

Two journalists working in Churachandpur-based dailies and three others of Imphal-based dailies were shot dead in the past.

Conceding that journalists working in a conflict situation like Manipur always face uncertainties the speakers also cautioned that as the journalists are wedged in between dichotomy of State and non-State actors the risks are even more.

Moreover, the fact that perpetrator/s of the criminal act ignored AMWJU's standing appeal to either intimate Editor concerned or the scribes' body in case any media person are found working in violation of norms of journalism, the meeting expressed concern that certain individuals or groups do not understand or acknowledge contributions of the news media to the Manipuri society.

Media personnel becoming a soft target of individuals with vested interest also came under sharp scrutiny at the congregation.

later in the afternoon a silent protest rally was taken out upto the Chief Minister's official bungalow where a joint team of editors and AMWJU members submitted a memorandum to Okram Ibobi Singh.

The memorandum handed over to the Chief Minister mentioned that 'AMWJU has reasons to suspect involvement of security personnel in the crime as the spot where Rishikanta's body was found is a highly secured area with personnel of State forces manning all three entry points.

It is impossible for anyone to commit such a crime and escape scot free'.

Describing Rishikanta as a hard-working and honest journalist, the representation categorically highlighted that 'under the circumstances AMWJU feels that only a judicial inquiry can trace the culprit(s).

conveying the general body meeting's resolution to suspend publication of newspapers from November 20 until the Government finds out and arrest the culprit(s), the scribes' body demanded that in addition to the judicial inquiry, ex-gratia be extended to the bereaved family as per Centre's scheme for victims of terrorist violence, ensure sense of security in the minds of journalists and take necessary measures for protection of working journalists of the State.

In response, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh assured all possible assistance to the victim's family.

Urging the media fraternity to grant some days to enable the Government investigate the matter, the CM asserted that if nothing concrete could be found out then not only a judicial probe be ordered but service of the CBI would be sought to crack the case.

Earlier, members present at the emergency meeting, held with AMWJU president S Hemant and Editor of Imphal free Press Pradip Phanjoubam as presidium members also unanimously resolved to constitute an investigation team of AMWJU for an independent probe into the killing and appeal to NGOs to extend all possible cooperation in unearthing the truth.

Regarding the resolution to stage sit-in-protest from tomorrow onwards at near Keishampat Power House all concerned involved in print and electronic media have been informed to report at the venue at 10 am.